No one too big to tackle in corruption fight – Buhari - Newstrends
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No one too big to tackle in corruption fight – Buhari

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  • As Salami panel on Magu submits report

President Muhammadu Buhari has said no one should be too big to tackle in the fight against corruption.

The President, who admitted that corruption existed in all levels of government including high places, said this was why he ordered the suspension of the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu and set up a panel to probe graft allegations against him.

Buhari spoke in Abuja while receiving the report of the Justice Ayo Salami-led Judicial Commission of Inquiry on the Investigation of Magu, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

The statement was titled “President Buhari: I want Nigeria to be counted among countries that do not tolerate but fight corruption.”

He said, “Let it be known that in the fight against corruption, no one is too big to tackle, as no individual is bigger than the Nigerian state!”

“Corruption is present in all countries. Some governments treat it with levity. Some fight it all the time. I want Nigeria to be counted among those countries that do not tolerate but fight corruption,” he added.

Even as he noted that corruption walked on all four (legs) in all levels of government and different segments of the society, he explained that the fight against graft would be seen as a mere charade if government failed to act when accusations of corruptions were leveled against agencies set up to help the crusade.

Buhari said, “The sad reality confronting us as a people is that there is corruption almost everywhere; at many levels of government, and nearly every stratum of our society. Mindful of the threat that corruption poses to us as a nation, this administration has specifically focused on the fight against corruption.

“As a government, and in furtherance of our anti-corruption programme, we have since inception engaged in many reforms in removing corruption including but not limited to the enforcement of Treasury Single Account, strict implementation of the Bank Verification Number Policy and signing unto the open government partnership. A lot of efforts have gone into building and development of our anti-corruption institutions.”

He also said, “We have so far kept faith with our promise and shall remain committed until Nigeria triumphs over the evil of corruption, attain a prosperous economic status, and surmounts her security challenges.

“However, the stark reality of widespread corruption becomes poignant when allegations of corruption touch on the leadership of an institution set up by law to coordinate and enforce all economic and financial crimes. It is an abomination that strikes at the root and undermines the Government’s anti-corruption programme.

“It was in response to the serious allegations against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that I set up a Panel headed by the Honourable Justice Isa Ayo Salami, retired President of the Court of Appeal, via an Instrument dated 3rd July 2020 pursuant to the Tribunals of Inquiry Act (Cap T21, LFN, 2004).”

The President said, “We recognise that there are more grounds to cover in the war against corruption, and we are prepared to go out to possess those lands by cutting off any stream that nourishes the seed of corruption and supports its growth.”

Buhari said his desire was to make Nigeria a country with no tolerance for corruption.

He called on all stakeholders and every Nigerian to own the fight against corruption at their respective levels.

The President Buhari thanked members of the Commission for their dedication and commitment to the fight against corruption.

Responding, Justice Salami reportedly said Magu and 113 witnesses appeared and testified before the commission.

He added that 46 petitions and memoranda were presented by individuals and organisations with complaints against the suspended acting Chairman, EFCC, or both.

Salami said the commission also embarked on a nationwide physical verification of recovered forfeited assets, comprising real estates, automobiles, vessels, and non-cash assets.

He commended the President for the initiative, The statement reported the retired Justice of the Court of Appeal as recommending “that in appointing a new chairman, consideration should be given to candidates from other law enforcement or security agencies and a core staff of the EFCC as provided in the EFCC establishment Act of 2004.”

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Obasanjo Holds Secret Meeting With Babangida Amid 2027 Election Speculations

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida
General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and Former President Olusegun Obasanjo

Obasanjo Holds Secret Meeting With Babangida Amid 2027 Election Speculations

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo met privately with ex-military ruler General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida at Babangida’s residence in Minna, Niger State, in a closed-door meeting that has sparked widespread speculation about potential political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The meeting, which lasted about 30 minutes, drew attention as both leaders emerged as key elder statesmen whose counsel and influence are often sought by Nigeria’s political elite. Neither Obasanjo nor Babangida spoke to journalists after the session, and no official statement was released, fueling discussions about behind-the-scenes strategic planning and coalition-building for 2027.

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Political analysts note that such high-profile consultations are common ahead of major elections, as party leaders, former presidents, and influential figures explore alliances, policy priorities, and national governance strategies. Observers also link this meeting to recent PDP and APC elder consultations, signaling continued efforts by senior politicians to shape the electoral landscape.

The rendezvous underscores Obasanjo’s continuing role as a political kingmaker, leveraging his network and experience to influence party strategies, candidate selection, and national discourse. With the 2027 elections approaching, similar closed-door meetings among Nigeria’s top political figures are expected to intensify in the coming months.

Obasanjo Holds Secret Meeting With Babangida Amid 2027 Election Speculations

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Outrage in Borno as APC Excludes VP Shettima’s Photo at North‑East Zonal Hearing

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Vice‑President Kashim Shettima

Outrage in Borno as APC Excludes VP Shettima’s Photo at North‑East Zonal Hearing

There has been widespread anger in Borno State after the All Progressives Congress (APC) omitted Vice‑President Kashim Shettima from the official banner at the party’s North‑East zonal public hearing on constitutional amendments in Maiduguri. The banner, which featured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the five APC governors from the region, and the party’s National Legal Adviser, conspicuously left out Shettima, a native of Borno State.

The omission prompted immediate backlash from party leaders, including Abdulkarim Lawan, Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, who described it as “provocative and unfair,” stressing that it was inappropriate to sideline a senior party official in his home state. The speaker recalled a similar controversy at an APC event in Gombe State last year, highlighting persistent sensitivities within the party’s North‑East faction.

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Attendees of the Maiduguri hearing, convened to discuss proposed constitutional amendments, expressed support for Lawan’s remarks, with loud applause and calls for the Vice‑President’s recognition. In response, the APC Deputy National Chairman dismissed the exclusion as an oversight by organisers, insisting there was no intention to diminish Shettima’s status and affirming that the hearing’s focus remained on party reforms rather than politics.

The incident comes amid speculation about internal APC dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections, including questions around representation and leadership within the North‑East. Analysts note that repeated omissions of Shettima at high-profile events could fuel perceptions of internal rifts and affect party cohesion in the region.

Outrage in Borno as APC Excludes VP Shettima’s Photo at North‑East Zonal Hearing

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How to Become a United Nations Online Volunteer in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

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United Nations

How to Become a United Nations Online Volunteer in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a United Nations Online Volunteer in 2026 offers individuals the opportunity to contribute to global development, peacebuilding and humanitarian causes without leaving their homes. Through the UN Online Volunteering Programme, managed by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV), skilled and passionate people can support UN agencies and partner organisations remotely.

The UN Online Volunteering initiative connects volunteers with assignments aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), covering areas such as research, digital communications, translation, data analysis, advocacy, and project support. Assignments are flexible, fully remote and open to applicants from all countries.

To be eligible, applicants must be 18 years and above. There are no nationality restrictions, and many online roles do not require formal academic qualifications, although relevant skills and experience are often essential. Online volunteering positions are unpaid, but successful participants receive an official UNV certificate, which can strengthen career profiles and international exposure.

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Interested candidates are required to register on the Unified Volunteering Platform (UVP), the official portal for all UN volunteering opportunities. After creating an account, applicants must complete their profiles with detailed information on skills, languages and interests. Volunteers can then search for available online UN volunteer opportunities and apply directly through the platform.

Assignments typically last between a few weeks and three months, with flexible time commitments that can fit around work or studies. Recent and ongoing opportunities include roles supporting UNDP, UNICEF, and civil society partners in areas such as social media outreach, SDG advocacy, research support and community engagement.

Experts say the programme is increasingly attracting young professionals, students and freelancers seeking international experience, especially amid rising interest in remote work and global digital collaboration. With preparations already underway for major UN campaigns in 2026, including global volunteerism initiatives, demand for online volunteers is expected to grow.

The United Nations Volunteers programme encourages interested individuals to apply early and regularly update their profiles to improve their chances of selection, as new opportunities are posted frequently.

How to Become a United Nations Online Volunteer in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

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